Iranian University Research Articles

The Effect of an Educational Program on the Knowledge and Attitude of Medical Sciences Students About Social Determinants of Health in Iranian University Students: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Given the importance of social determinants on health outcomes, training medical sciences students in addressing social determinants of health can enhance their effectiveness and social accountability. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an educational program on the knowledge and attitude of medical sciences students regarding social determinants of health. Using a one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design, this study selected 200 students from a medical university in Iran through simple random sampling. A tailored educational intervention, grounded in the conceptual framework for action on social determinants of health, was implemented. To assess the program's effect, data were collected using a validated questionnaire that measured the students' knowledge and attitudes towards social determinants of health both at baseline (pretest) and 1 month following the intervention (posttest). The application of the Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test revealed a significant increase in the median scores for knowledge and attitude postintervention. Specifically, the posttest median scores were significantly elevated compared to the pretest knowledge score (Z = -11.89, p < 0.001) and attitude score (Z = -11.60, p < 0.001). This indicates that the educational intervention significantly improved the students' knowledge and attitudes concerning social determinants of health. The study outcomes suggest that educational interventions focused on social determinants of health effectively improve students' knowledge and attitudes. We recommend integrating such programs into the medical sciences curriculum and experiential training. By doing so, we can better prepare future healthcare professionals to address social determinants of health-related issues. This approach has the potential to reduce health disparities and also addresses broader social challenges affecting population health.

Integration of social determinant of health in patient’s history-taking in medical education: an educational scholarship and action research study: phase I

Background and objectiveOne of the most important aspects of health is social health. Addressing social health and social accountability is possible by education of social determinants of health (SDH) to medical students. The aim of current study is to integrate the SDH variables to patient’s history-taking in medical education during clerkship stage as an action research and scholarship in education. Pediatric patients were selected as the target population for this study.MethodsThe present study is an action-research including three phases of the program's design, implementation, and evaluation. The present paper reports the results of phase I including the following steps; rapid scoping review and expert panel for development of history-taking form. The goal of this phase was to prepare an SDH checklist for history-taking in the Pediatrics Ward of Firoozabadi Teaching Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. The checklist of history-taking was evaluated in terms of measurability, feasibility, priority, and clarity using a 5-choice Likert scale.ResultsAccording to the results of the scoping review and consensus-based methods, the preliminary version of the program was prepared including the SDH history-taking checklist. A total of 21 items were selected after two expert panel rounds. The overall absolute agreement was 0.704 (95% CI: 0.587 – 0.793) which was significantly higher than 0.5 (P < 0.001). The range of scores was 3.5 – 4.83 (out of five).ConclusionWe developed a SDH history-taking form including nine domains and 21 items. This form should be piloted and evaluated by an expert panel in the next phases. The present phase of the project proposed a consensus-based program for the imputation of SDH education in the education program of medical students. The reason for the importance of choosing children is that social factors in the group of children can have a greater impact considering the long life ahead and being in the growing age. After the implementation and evaluation phases, this program may be imputed in the medical education curriculum.

IRANIAN EFL TEACHERS AND CHALLENGES OF MANAGEMENT IN WRITING CLASSES

Classroom management is one of the most significant yet challenging issues in EFL settings, mainly when L2 writing, as a productive skill, is in focus. The present qualitative study explored EFL teachers’ challenges in managing their classes when instructing writing. Twelve Iranian university instructors selected based on purposive sampling volunteered to participate in the study. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and thematically analyzed, resulting in four main themes in response to the study’s research questions. Two themes were related to teachers’ challenges: instructional challenges and students’ misbehavior challenges. One theme was associated with the participants’ negative feelings about managing writing classes, and the last theme included suggestions for better management of writing classes. The study highlights the problems EFL teachers encounter in their writing classes, hoping to attract policymakers’ and administrators’ attention to the teaching profession in EFL settings. The study has implications for teachers, teacher trainers, and educators.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0765/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Studying the Relationship between the Teaching Status of Research Methods, Biostatistics Courses and, Academic Research Skills, from the Graduates Point of View

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between passing biostatistics and research methods courses and academic research skills in graduates. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 633 graduates during 2016-2022 from Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. The explanatory factors were passing biostatistics and research methods courses and having statistical consultant. The outcomes were the duration of preparing proposal and thesis, and paper publication. Univariate and multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) with %95CI. Significance level was set to 0.05 Results: 433 (68.4%) were female, and 371 (58.6%) were married. The mean±SD age of the graduates was 34.5±7.06 years. 413 (65.2%) were graduates from MSc and MPH and 128 (20.2%) from PhD. For Masters and MPH, the odds of prolonging the duration of preparing the proposal for who had Biostatistical consultant in their research team was 40% lower than the graduates who had no Biostatistical consultant (OR=0.6[95%CI:(0.39,0.91], P=0.01). In PhD graduates, the odds of prolonging the duration of preparing the proposal for who passed research methods course was 2.94 (1.06, 8.2) times than that of did not pass (P=0.03). Passing Biostatistics course was associated with lower odds of prolonging the duration of preparing thesis (OR=0.3[95% CI: (0.1, 0.86)], P=0.04). The odds of paper publication was marginally associated with research methods workshop participation (OR=3.7[95%CI: (0.82, 16.74], P=0.09) in PhD graduates. Conclusion: Passing Biostatistics and research methods courses and presence of a statistical consultant in the students’ thesis team were associated with shortened proposal or thesis preparation duration, and having publications from thesis more likely.

The Association Between Mental Health Literacy of Parents and Referral of Children and Adolescents to Mental Health Service Centers

Background: Mental health literacy refers to an individual’s knowledge and beliefs about mental health, which can aid in the detection, management, and prevention of mental illnesses. Prompt diagnosis of mental disorders is crucial for timely intervention and treatment. This study aims to investigate the mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviors of parents with children and adolescents under the age of 18. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, a cross-sectional design was utilized, and a surveying method was employed. A total of 134 parents of children and adolescents under 18, who were referred to the mental health service centers at Iran University of Medical Sciences and private psychiatric clinics in 2019 and 2020, participated in the study through convenient sampling. Two psychiatrists evaluated the psychiatric disorders of the children, and the parents completed the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) and the Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Results: The results of the one-way analysis of variance indicated that the total score of mental health literacy significantly differed among groups with varying levels of maternal education (p=0.001). Conclusion: This study underscores the impact of maternal education on mental health literacy among parents. Notably, parents with higher levels of education exhibited greater mental health literacy. It is essential to consider these findings in developing targeted interventions to improve mental health literacy among parents from diverse educational backgrounds. Further research should explore effective strategies for increasing awareness and knowledge about mental health in communities with varying levels of education.

A dynamic management model for sustainable drug supply chain in hospital pharmacies in Iran.

Sustainable supply chain management encompasses the strategic coordination and control of material, information, and financial flows, as well as the collaborative efforts among the entities engaged in the medicinal supply chain. This research proposes a dynamic and sustainable supply chain management model tailored explicitly for the inpatient pharmacies of Medical Centers and Hospitals affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences. This is a quantitative study in terms of research objective and a qualitative study based on the stages in the conceptual development of the model. Therefore, the current study can be considered a mixed-methods approach. After identifying the key factors influencing the sustainability of the medicine supply chain, we conducted a dynamic analysis of the problem using system dynamics methodology. In order to simulate the system's behavior over 24 months, we utilized a combination of existing documentary information and expert opinions. The developed model was implemented using Vensim PLE software, allowing us to simulate and analyze the impact of various policies on the system. Medicine disposal exhibited an upward trend, particularly during the second 12-month period. Conversely, the trend of medicine expirations remained relatively stable in the initial months but showed an upward trajectory after that. The cost associated with disposed medicine experienced a consistent increase, with a higher rate observed during the second 12-month period. In contrast, sales of low-consumable medicine experienced a significant initial surge followed by a slower growth rate. Finally, the pharmacy's profit demonstrated an overall increasing trend, although the rate of increase was higher during the first 12 months. Among the various scenarios considered, namely "increasing the adequacy of human resources," "increasing the speed of response," and "utilizing pharmacists in the drug prescribing team," it was found that these interventions had a substantial effect on both enhancing the pharmacy's profit and reducing medication waste. Therefore, these scenarios were identified as having the most significant impact. The proposed model can serve as a valuable tool for forecasting and informing policy-making, providing insights into addressing the challenges associated with the sustainable drug supply chain in hospital pharmacies.

Investigating the Challenges of Infertility Treatment Development in Centers of Iran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services

Investigating the Challenges of Infertility Treatment Development in Centers of Iran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services

The Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of Emotional Abuse Questionnaire

Objective: Intimate partner emotional abuse is a serious issue that can lead to catastrophic outcomes for victims. Emotional abuse involves psychological tactics to control, manipulate, and degrade a person within an intimate relationship. This research aimed to translate the Emotional Abuse Questionnaire (EAQ) developed by Jacobson and Gottman into Persian for use among Iranian university students. Method: The translation of the 66-item EAQ involved a meticulous forward and backward translation process, linguistic matching, and a pilot review. In this cross-sectional study, 346 university students from Rasht, Iran, completed the EAQ. The mean age of participants was 26.78 ± 8.10 years, with most being female (89.0%). Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest analysis while content and face validity were assessed by a panel of experts. Construct validity was examined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and internal consistency measures. Divergent validity was assessed by comparing the EAQ with the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMS). Results: Impact scores for face validity ranged from 2.33 to 3.92, based on respondents' ratings of frequency and importance. Content validity assessment led to removing four items with a CVR below 0.62, resulting in 62 valid items. The EAQ showed strong internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.97, exceeding the acceptable threshold of 0.70. CFA results confirmed the validity of the second-order factor model of the EAQ (χ2/df = 4.34, CFI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.098, SRMR = 0.077). The EAQ demonstrated a strong correlation with EMS measures, confirming divergent validity. Conclusion: The Persian version of the EAQ is a reliable instrument for assessing emotional abuse among Iranian university students. Future research should explore the cultural sensitivity of the questionnaire and investigate associations between emotional abuse and other variables of interest, such as mental health outcomes or relationship dynamics. These avenues promise valuable insights into the frequency and effects of emotional abuse across diverse cultural contexts.

Molecular Investigation of Seven Respiratory Viruses in Patients with Acute Respiratory Tract Infections

Introduction: Respiratory tract infection (RTI) is among the important factors that can threaten human health and is one of the most prevalent etiological agents of death, especially in young children. Viruses account for approximately 80% of various RTIs worldwide. Our study aimed to investigate the molecular prevalence of seven respiratory viruses in RTI. Our results can help develop appropriate public health strategies and treatment management of RTIs. Materials and Methods: 120 respiratory samples were obtained from patients with flu-like manifestations from hospitals referred to the Iran University of Medical Sciences during 2020-2022. Nucleic acid extraction was performed, and then real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the specimens to investigate seven respiratory viruses. Results: Of the 120 respiratory specimens collected from patients with RTI, viruses were identified in 41 (34.16%) samples, encompassing 24 (40.7%) females and 17 (27.9%) males. SARS-CoV-2 (n = 22, 18.3%) and Parainfluenza virus (n=18, 15%) were the predominant detected viruses in the present study, followed by respiratory syncytial viruses (n=1, 0.8%). Other viruses like Metapneumovirus, Adenovirus, Bocavirus, and Rhinovirus were not found in our study. We could not detect any co-infection in our analysis. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 and Parainfluenza-virus were the predominant viruses detected in our study, followed by respiratory syncytial viruses. Other viruses, such as Metapneumovirus, Adenovirus, Bocavirus, and Rhinovirus, have not been found in our study. We could not detect any co-infection in our consideration. This result can help develop appropriate public health strategies, targeting prevention and avoiding inappropriate treatment such as using unnecessary antibiotics.

Supervisors’ power sources and doctoral students’ working conditions: a qualitative study of doctoral supervision in a developing country

ABSTRACT Higher education institutions around the world seek to expand their capacity to compete with one another in attracting more doctoral students and recruiting talented researchers by enhancing the quality and performance of their doctoral programs. In this study, we adopt a service perspective lens and explore the relationship between doctoral supervision and students’ working conditions by investigating the influence of supervisors’ power sources. Interview data was obtained from 22 doctoral students and 16 supervisors studying and working, respectively, at public universities in Iran. The findings suggest that the use of mediated power by supervisors is associated with poor-quality doctoral supervision, which negatively impacts the mental well-being and perceptions of decent work of doctoral students. Building on the literature and evidence from the interviews, we elaborate our arguments and offer several practical implications for higher education institutions.

Medical residents' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antibiotics, antimicrobial stewardship and multidrug-resistant bacteria: a cross-sectional study in a major university in Iran.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats to global public health systems. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice about AMR, antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. A web-based questionnaire survey was conducted among the residents of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences from May to November 2023. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 24.0 software. Overall, 400 out of 450 medical residents responded to the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 88.9%. The participants' ages ranged from 26 to 54 years, and the majority were female (227/400 56.8%). Average scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 53.70 ± 15.88, 36.97 ± 5.89 and 24.69 ± 4.24, respectively. In terms of knowledge, only 26.8% had heard the term "ASPs" and knew what it was. Most incorrect answers appeared to the treatment of infection caused by MDR bacteria including ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (27.8%) and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (30.8%), as well as the atypical bacteria (45.5%). Approximately, 50 and 71.7% said they had received no specific training in the fields of microbiological sampling methods and the appropriate time to prescribe antibiotics, respectively. Surprisingly, regarding practice, 81.8% of the respondents stated that antibiotics are used to treat flu or the common cold. Residents considered their training on important issues including ASPs, MDR bacteria and the spectrum of antibiotics insufficient. This result highlights the need for targeted training interventions about antibiotic prescription in the curriculum at the university with more emphasis on ASPs to limit the development of resistance.

Placebo-controlled effect of topical Qust (Costus) oil on postmenopausal women's sexual desire disorder: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.

Decreased libido and anorgasmia are common problems for women after menopause that reduce the quality of life of couples. This study examined the effect of topical Qust oil on sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women. In this double-blind, randomized, clinical trial, 110 postmenopausal women with decreased sexual desire visiting a Traditional Medicine Center and Hazrat Rasool Akram Hospital (affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences) were selected by convenience consecutive sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received qust oil, while the control group was given a placebo (liquid paraffin); they were instructed to massage the product topically on their pubic area and perineum daily. The sexual function of both groups was assessed and compared before the intervention and four weeks after the intervention using the Female Sexual Function Index. The mean and standard deviation of the improvement of sexual function post-intervention were 37.66±32.52% and 11.96±11.18% in the experimental and control groups, respectively (p<0.001). In terms of the improvement of components of sexual function, a significant difference was observed between the two groups in the sub-scales of sexual desire [57.05±42.99% vs. 21.25±27.85%, p<0.001], arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction (p<0.001 for all); however, no significant difference was observed in terms of lubrication (p=0.25) and pain during intercourse (p=0.776). In postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction, massaging the pubic area and perineum with qust oil for at least four weeks significantly improves desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction.

Designing an Entrepreneurial Model of Remote Communication Technologies in Clinical Medicine: A Qualitative Study

Background: Today, information technology has permeated all fields, transforming numerous aspects of our lives, while entrepreneurship has become increasingly essential. In medicine, the integration of this technology is becoming crucial. Objectives: This research focuses on designing an entrepreneurial model that leverages modern communication and information technologies in the health sector. By capitalizing on created opportunities, entrepreneurs can drive innovation, leading to cost savings, time efficiency, and greater access to health and medical services for people everywhere. Methods: In this qualitative study, the sample included faculty members from Iran University of Medical Sciences, selected through purposive sampling. Following this, the sample was expanded using snowball sampling, introduced through key experts, to include additional informed individuals. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews with faculty members, experts, and knowledgeable individuals who were willing to participate. The interviews continued until data saturation was reached. Data analysis was carried out using content analysis, with coding performed using MAXQDA10 software. Results: After coding and identifying the main and sub-themes, content analysis was completed, resulting in 10 main themes and 57 sub-themes. All interviewees highlighted sub-themes such as "infrastructure and hardware," "internet bandwidth," "access to electronic health records," "equipment and supplies," "data privacy," "qualified physicians," and "counseling." Conclusions: When designing an entrepreneurial model in any region or country, it is essential to consider the existing needs and conditions, environmental demands, population characteristics, culture, habits, preferences of service recipients, infrastructural capabilities, governing laws, and security issues. Additionally, the model must incorporate specific leadership, management, and oversight to ensure it becomes a responsive and effective system.

Reconceptualising ELT research pedagogy in the Iranian higher education context

ABSTRACT One of the significant drawbacks of the English Language Teaching (ELT) Ph.D. programme in the Iranian ELT setting is the insufficiency of the research courses offered in the current curriculum, which do not adequately address the Ph.D. candidates needs, and this issue was not tackled in the field. Therefore, adopting a qualitative approach, this research aimed to investigate the possibilities and challenges of reconceptualising ELT higher education research pedagogy from a content-oriented into a learning-oriented approach from ELT Ph.D. candidates’ and instructors’ perspectives. To do so, 20 ELT Ph.D. candidates and eight ELT university instructors of both genders were selected from different Iranian universities based on convenience sampling as the participants. The context under investigation is that of Ph.D. candidates researching into ELT. This study employed an individual semi-structured interview as the instrument for gathering data. The data were analysed using the descriptive qualitative content analysis method, and the results showed that increasing the research methodology courses, changing the research instructors’ conceptions, decreasing the instructors’ workload, and specifying funds for escalating instructors’ motivation are the possibilities of tackling the current challenges from the ELT instructors’ views. In addition, the results indicated that from the ELT Ph.D. candidates’ views, adding a fieldwork course to the ELT curriculum, designing and implementing criteria for instructors’ performance evaluation, decreasing the number of Ph.D. candidates, and holding the extracurricular activities are the possibilities of tackling the current challenges. The findings may hold some implications for policymakers, curriculum designers, ELT instructors, and ELT graduate students.

Internet-based infrastructures and online architectural education on design studios: perceived instructional strategies and students engagement

The current study investigated the impact of perceived instructional strategies in online design studios on student engagement as a multidimensional construct. Given the rapid shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding effective teaching strategies and their impacts on student engagement is crucial for enhancing overall student outcomes. The study also examined the role of learning motivation as a mediator in these relationships. A mixed-methods approach was employed, measuring a second-order construct of student engagement based on three reflective dimensions: cognitive, affective, and behavioral. Qualitative interviews with instructors revealed three main instructional strategies utilized in online design studios: learning by doing, learning with interaction, and learning from feedback. The present study analyzed self-report survey responses from 230 undergraduate architecture students across four major universities in Iran, utilizing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Based on the results, the perceived learning by doing (PLD) and learning with interaction (PLI) significantly improve student engagement. In contrast, the perceived learning from feedback (PLF) fails to influence student engagement directly. Additionally, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation mediated the impact of PLI and PLF on student engagement. These findings highlight the importance of effective instructional strategies in online design studios. Additionally, the results provide valuable insights for future pedagogical practices in online education, offering guidance for instructors aiming to enhance student outcomes in this dynamic learning environment.

Effect of simulating training of the fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery on the attitude of operating room nurses students: an intervention study

Abstract Objective Clinical education plays a key role in preparing students for patient care. Laparoscopy is one of the most important minimally invasive surgeries (MISs) wherein surgical technologists are responsible for camera navigation and assistant surgeons are responsible for peg transfer. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the attitude of the operating room students toward these skills during their study period. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of simulating training in the fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery (FLS) on the attitude of the operating room students. Methods This interventional study was conducted on 28 operating room students of Iran University of Medical Sciences in 2019. The census sampling method was used. The data-collection tool included the “Intrinsic motivation inventory (IMI) questionnaire.” The educational intervention was carried out in theoretical (booklet design) and practical (simulation) sections. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential analyses including the paired t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and independent t-test. The collected data were analyzed using R and SPSS software. P-value &lt;0.05 was considered as the significant level. Results The mean ± SD of the participants’ age was 22.93 ± 2.14 years, and the majority of them were women (67.9%). There was a significant difference in the mean scores of students’ attitudes toward the FLS before and after the educational intervention (P &lt; 0.001) in all dimensions (interest, perceived competence, perceived choice, and tension). There was also a significant correlation between gender and interest dimension (P = 0.005). Conclusions The results of the present study showed that simulating the training FLS curriculum positively affects students’ attitudes. Therefore, the researchers suggest that for creating a positive attitude, increasing students’ interest in laparoscopic surgery, and ensuring a more effective presence in the operating room, this training should be considered in the operating room curriculum.

Doctoral students’ perceptions of the English language proficiency completion criteria in Iran: making a case for English for General Academic Purposes (EGAP)

PurposeThis study set out to investigate PhD students’ perceptions of the criteria for showcasing English proficiency as part of the requirements for completing PhD programs in Iranian universities. The criteria included The Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology (MSRT) test, an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program, achieving the minimum score on the English section of the doctoral entrance exam, and gaining approval from supervisors regarding students’ proficiency.Design/methodology/approachQualitative data were collected by conducting interviews with 19 PhD students as well as a corpus of 325 students’ commentaries posted on an online forum. The data were then analyzed using the constant comparison method (Creswell, 2013).FindingsStudents held mixed feelings in relation to the new completion requirements and in particular, the MSRT test. However, they advocated egalitarian, objective, and need-responsive measures, which were better mirrored in the EAP program.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings were discussed with reference to the predictive validity, authenticity, and construct relevance of the MSRT test and the EAP program. Despite the absence of quantitative data on the comparability of high-stakes tests and the EAP program, the study offers implications for testing agencies, academic institutions, and tertiary students.Originality/valueA multitude of PhD students and candidates are affected by the results of the new policy. Accordingly, gaining a better understanding of students’ perceptions may assist policymakers in reconsidering their policies, if necessary.

The association between the dietary behavior, diet quality, and lifestyle scores with anthropometric indices and happiness levels among university students

BackgroundLimited information exists linking food habits, diet quality, and lifestyle scores with anthropometric indices and happiness levels. Our aim was to examine the association between food habits, diet quality, and lifestyle scores with anthropometric indices and happiness levels in the Iranian population.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 200 students randomly selected from a university in Iran. Dietary intakes, physical activity (PA), and happiness levels of study participants were assessed using validated questionnaires. The anthropometric indices examined in this study included the body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), and abdominal volume index (AVI). Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association between food habits, diet quality, and lifestyle scores with anthropometric indices and happiness levels.ResultsThe mean age and body mass index (BMI) of study participants were 23.5 years ± 4.52 and 23.8 kg/m2 ± 3.17, respectively. In the study population, no significant association was seen between ABSI, BRI, AVI and happiness with food habits, diet quality, and lifestyle scores respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders (age, energy intake, marital status, education, smoking, physical activity, gender, and BMI), the association remained not significant for ABSI and food habits, diet quality, and lifestyle scores respectively (OR: 0.56, 95% CI (0.25–1.34), P = 0.193; OR: 0.59, 95% CI (0.22–1.57), P = 0.413; OR:1.19, 95%CI (0.54–2.63), P = 0.652), BRI and food habits, diet quality, and lifestyle scores respectively (OR:1.98, 95% CI (0.41–9.49), P = 0.381; OR: 0.57, 95%CI (0.12–2.74), P = 0.512; OR: 1.19, 95% CI (0.3–4.71), P = 0.811), AVI and food habits, diet quality, and lifestyle scores (OR:1.15, 95% CI (0.53–2.48), P = 0.743, OR:1.01, 95% CI (0.47–2.18), P = 0.965; OR: 1.3, 95% CI (0.64–2.65), P = 0.465) and happiness and food habits, diet quality, and lifestyle scores respectively (OR:0.3, 95%CI (0.07–1.25), P = 0.972; OR: 0.77, 95%CI (0.18–3.19), P = 0.724, OR: 0.3, 95% CI (0.07–1.25), P = 0.083).ConclusionsNo significant association was detected between food habits, diet quality, and lifestyle scores with anthropometric indices and happiness levels. However, longitudinal studies are required to confirm these findings.

Chemotherapy delays among cancer patients in Iran during COVID-19 pandemic

Background and objectivesFollowing the outbreak of COVID-19, a set of restrictions, health advice, and limitations were put in place to reduce the spread of the virus. These restrictions, together with fear and anxiety of the population, limited people’s access to public services such as health care services. Cancer patients during this era are a significant concern due to being at high risk for COVID-19 infection and also being exposed to delays in their diagnosis, treatment, and follow-ups. Delays in the treatment of cancer could lead to a poorer prognosis. In this study, we attempted to determine the magnitude of delays in chemotherapy and factors associated with delays during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodAll patients diagnosed with colorectal, lung, gastric cancer, and lymphoma who had chemotherapy at teaching hospitals of Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) between February 20, 2020, and March 20, 2022, were included. Age, gender, cancer type, having metastatic cancer, and date of each chemotherapy session were included for each patient individually. Every session with delays longer than two days was recorded. A three to six-day delay was considered a moderate delay, and a seven-day or longer delay was considered a severe delay in receiving each chemotherapy session. Additionally, each patient’s total number of delays in the entire course was calculated. Logistic regression was used to examine the impact of pandemic waves on delays. On the other hand, Poisson regression was used to evaluate the number of delays in the entire course of chemotherapy.ResultsThe research findings indicated an association between the male gender and having metastasis with a higher likelihood of a moderate delay in the treatment regimen. Regarding cancer type, colorectal cancer was associated with higher rates of moderate delays (IRR = 1.88, P < 0.001), but gastric (IRR = 0.75, P = 0.001) and lung cancer (IRR = 0.59, P = 0.002) were associated with reduced rates of severe and moderate delays, respectively. Compared to the COVID-19 pandemic plateau periods, the first (OR = 2.08, P < 0.001), third, and fifth waves of the pandemic were associated with increased delays.ConclusionWe found an association between the male gender, colorectal cancer, metastatic disease and higher rates of moderate delays. The initial COVID-19 pandemic wave was associated with increased severe delays in the chemotherapy course. According to the findings of this study, male cancer patients and those with metastatic cancer are at risk of poorer prognosis due to lower adherence to treatment. These findings can assist policymakers in developing targeted strategies to lessen the delay rates in the more vulnerable population.

English language needs of Iranian students of civil engineering: Are the courses aligned with workplace needs?

Although Iranian universities offer English for specific purposes (ESP) courses extensively, there are plenty of challenges in the process of teaching the courses. Drawing on multiple methods, this study explored what 5 civil-engineering ESP instructors, 5 company engineers, and 10 students expected to be included in their language courses suitable for workplace-specific requirements. It used multiple sources of data, including semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, field notes, and focus group discussions. Analysis of data showed that in addition to proficiency in general English, civil engineers need to discuss technical issues, attend conferences and seminars, read or write specific genres, and communicate orally, all of which require knowledge of both general and technical English. However, university programs are not specifically designed according to students’ specialized needs. This study contributes to the importance of needs-based curriculum development pertinent to engineering English challenges and highlights the significance of tailor-made language instruction. Furthermore, ESP educators, policy makers, course planners, and other stakeholders can take advantage of needs-based resources to help engineering students solve problems pertinent to their specialization.